Political Correctness Reflection

Checking Ideas:

1. Where did PC language come from?

Political Correctness language originated from American Liberals who initially used the term literally, as in to be in alignment with political thought. 

However, it is now used to describe the act of 'adjusting'  language, ideas, policies, or behaviour in order to  minimize offence towards minority groups.

1. Why might it be seen as a good thing?

Based on the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, I agree in relation to its theory,  that words are important tools in giving meaning to abstract concepts, which further allow us to understand the world around us better as language affects the way we think and act.

In the argument for pro-pc language, I believe it helps us to further develop a wider knowledge of ethics as we live in a diverse society and the need to be adaptable is important in fostering intercultural understanding.

For example, the term "black" is a general term that can be applied or restricted in a spectrum of ways but PC language promotes an educated discretion amongst people as different societies uphold different ethical values.

1. Why might it be seen as a bad thing?

There are MANY arguments and conspiracies that denotes PC language and this may not appear strange as the main argument against it is that PC language brings upon connotations.

Connotations, or better known in a social setting as stereotypes, are what that is causing a stir among people as it could be misinterpreted as pejoratives on certain social customs and breaches cultural ethics.

Political Correctness language can also be argued as restricting, through how it implies a certain level of language in certain situations. This can be seen as a form of censorship which limits the freedom of speech.

1. What are your thoughts on the need for PC language to exist?

We cannot deny that we are ever present in a social society and system and would therefore need to adhere to societal rules and regulations as this allow order to be in place and promotes an intellectual and social progress. PC language today serves as not a restriction, but as an intellectual sensibility in today's ever-changing social society.